London councils are calling on ministers to change the law and grant them the power to block the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion proposed by Mayor Sadiq Khan. Conservative peer Lord Moylan has put forward an amendment to the Levelling Up bill that would give local authorities greater control over the mayor’s plans to extend the ULEZ to cover every borough in the capital. The move comes as opposition to the ULEZ expansion grows, with four Labour MPs calling on the mayor to postpone the August rollout due to concerns over the cost of living crisis.
Lord Moylan stated that many outer London boroughs, including those with Labour MPs, are very concerned about the proposed extension of the ULEZ to their areas. He noted that there has not been proper consultation on the issue, and argued that the balance of power is not currently in the right place.
The ULEZ expansion is set to affect approximately 200,000 drivers of older cars and vans that do not meet modern emissions standards. These drivers will face a daily charge of £12.50 to drive in Greater London from August 29. Meanwhile, four Tory-controlled outer London boroughs – Bexley, Bromley, Harrow, and Hillingdon – are considering a legal challenge to the mayor’s scheme.
Mayor Sadiq Khan dismissed opposition from local authorities as a “vocal minority” and stated his desire to be on the “right side of history”. He also noted that the evidence is clear that the ULEZ expansion is necessary, and that opposition to the plan comes from both the Labour and Conservative parties.
